When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
While there is little you can do about your family history of heart disease, there are plenty of steps you can take to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Unhealthy lifestyle choices are modifiable risk factors to talk to your doctor about during your cardiac risk assessment. If your doctor tells you that your cardiac risk assessment reveals a high risk for cardiovascular disease, consider the following interventions that can keep you healthy.
Lower Your LDL Cholesterol
Your cardiac risk assessment will include your total cholesterol, your HDL cholesterol, and your LDL cholesterol levels. While your total cholesterol is factored into your cardiac risk assessment, your HDL cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoproteins, and your LDL cholesterol, also as low-density lipoproteins, play bigger roles in your cardiac risk factor profile.
If your high-density lipoproteins are elevated, your risk for heart attack and stroke goes down. Conversely, if your LDL cholesterol is high, your risk for heart attack and stroke rises. Fortunately, high LDL cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Eating a healthy diet, not smoking, getting regular exercise, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and taking lipid-lowering medications can decrease your LDL cholesterol levels. Once your LDL levels decrease, so will your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Limiting Alcohol Intake
While drinking a glass of red wine with your dinner may help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, consuming too much alcohol can increase your risk. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your blood pressure, raise your risk for a cardiac arrhythmia, elevate your blood glucose levels, and lead to liver and kidney problems, both of which can raise your risk for cardiac problems.
Curbing your alcohol intake can have a positive effect on your cardiac risk assessment profile. If you believe your alcohol intake is excessive, see your doctor. He or she can recommend treatment options to help you with your struggles. These treatment options may include cognitive therapy, antidepressant medication, dietary changes, mindfulness meditation, and following an exercise program.
If your cardiac risk assessment profile reveals that you are at high risk for a heart attack or stroke, talk to your doctor about modifying your risk factors. Doing so can dramatically lower your risk for cardiovascular disease even if you have a strong family history of heart disease. In addition, even if you had a heart attack, modifying your risk factors can lowering your risk for having a subsequent cardiac event.
If you have concerns about your heart health, find a center like Center for Anti-Aging Aesthetic and Rejuvenation Medicine near you.
Share4 November 2020
